Building structure

ABSTRACT

A building system utilizing discrete prefabricated modular building units, adapted to be erected with additional units to form a complete building structure of one or more stories; each unit including a rigid metal parallelopiped framework having upright tubular column sections and selectively spaced truss sections which cooperate with connector means to positively intertie adjacent units both vertically and horizontally to provide a building structure having both column and truss support systems.

United States Patent 119] Antoniou BUILDING STRUCTURE [22] Filed: June28, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 157,402

[52] US. Cl 52/79, 52/236, 52/585 [51] Int. Cl E04b 1/348 [58] Field ofSearch 52/79, 236, 726, 637, 638,

1111 3,822,519 11451 July 9, 1974 3,642,310 2/1972 Hudson 52/220 PrimaryExaminer-Henry C. Sutherland Assistant Examiner-Henry E. RaduazoAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Davis, McCaleb & Lucas 57 ABSTRACT 285/25, 24 IA building system utilizing discrete prefabricated [56] Referenc s Cit dmodular building units, adapted to be erected with ad- UNITED STATESPATENTS ditional units, to form a complete building structure of 366 5417 1887 28 27 one or more stories; each unit including a rigid metal 2086'009 937 z iz "7 4 iparallelopiped framework having upright tubularcol- 2 857 994 /1958 Sheard lllllllllllllllll unin sections andselectively spaced truss sections 3:245:188 4/1966iavansflfi1211;111:111: 1:: 182/178 .I which with Connector means toPositively 3,429,092 2/1969 Perry 52 intertie adjacent units bothvertically and horizontally 3,500,595 1 3/1970 Bennett 1. 52/79 7toprovide a building structure having both column 3,564,786 2/l97l Baker52/79 and truss support systems.

v 7 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures T 1 152 i l 1 15a 1 i; 1 150 1 159 155 li l l 1 I 1 I in? i 745 I40 1 I f4/ ri 1 1 '1 1|11 l 1 A 11 1111111Pmmmm emu SHEET 1 BF 5 lllllllltllll H mm n mm W WA Wm A MW E? w w Am;

lllllll lllll ll PATENTEDJUL 91w 3,822,519

SHEET h 0F 5 fNI/ENTOR 7 lgr w thony A. Antoniou A 7" TOPNEVS BUILDINGSTRUCTURE This invention generally concerns building constructions andmore particularly relates to improved means for structuring a buildingutilizing a plurality of prefabricated modular units, each of which is athree dimensional entity, utilizing module dimensions, and each of whichcontains, as part of its structure, all conjunctive supply systems aswell as support members which interconnect with like support members ofadjacent units to form vertical support columns and vertical and lateraltruss structures in the completed building.

The general or basic concept of constructing buildings, such as officeor apartment buildings, from a plurality of prefabricated modular unitshas been known for many years. However, despite its apparent economicappeal, it has enjoyed only limited commercial success, mainly due tolack of a practical workable system.

Recent efforts utilizing the modular concept have centered largely inprecast concrete units, which, how ever, are heavy, fragile, difficultto handle, and have limited design flexibility. Nevertheless, there havebeen successful applications in both Europe and the United States ofconcrete modular constructions. Of additional interest, partiallyprefabricated metal or wooden residence units, in which walls, roofframes and like substructures are factory built and assembled at thebuilding site, have met with limited acceptance.

Typifying prior art developments in this field, the following UnitedStates patents have been noted:

One of the major drawbacks in prior art systems centers about theinability to provide a complete building without extensive on-siteconstruction of conventional ancillary components, such as floors,roofs, utility supply and distribution systems, or separate structuralsupport systems in which the modular units are mounted. Additionaldrawbacks appear in the lack of effective connector means capable ofpositively interlocking modular units into an integrated structurewithout maintaining close column dimensions and tolerances requiringexpensive, manufacturing procedures and complicated assembly proceduresin the field, such as extensive on-site welding.

In brief, the present invention seeks to improve on prior efforts inmodular structural units and to avoid the shortcomings of the prior artby providing simplified, structurally superior combinations productiveof a practical, economically feasible and simplified system offabricating housing, commercial, and institutional use buildings out ofdiscrete modular units, each of which is a complete entity includingancillary systems, ready for attachment to adjacent modular units bysimple connector means. Among the advancements which distinguish thepresent invention is the provision of both vertical and lateral supportsystems by interlocking multiple units whereby the strength to weightratio of the completed structure is markedly improved.

One of the major objects of this invention is the provision of improvedand simplified modular structural units for building constructions ofvarious types.

Another object of this invention is to provide novel connector means forinterjoining adjacent modular units as aforesaid.

Still another object of this invention is to provide improved modularstructural units and connector means, as aforesaid, which interact andcooperate in assembly to produce building structures having both columnand truss support systems of improve-d strength and integrity.

A further object of this invention is to provide modular structuralunits for buildings which are discrete entities, complete with allsystems and means necessary for use, and which are capable of factoryprefabrication using metal materials of standard shapes and sizes fortransporting to and installation at a remote building site with othermodular units to formulate a finished building ready for use.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a simplifiedsystem for building structures utilizing modules that are readily massfabricated in assembly-line factory conditions, with little departurefrom presently known building trade practices and skills.

Having thus described this invention, the above and other objects,features, advantages and novel aspects thereof will be readily apparentto those of skill in this art from the following detailed description ofthe specific embodiment set out in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I. is a perspective view showing the support frame structure of atypical modular unit according to this invention; I

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of a unit as shown in FIG. 1, assembledwith an adjacent unit;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a building constructed with pluralunits of the order illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a typical load diagram of the truss support system seen inFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of a column structure formed accordingto this invention;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view in front elevation of the baseconnector assembly used with a two cluster column;

,FIG. 7 is a plan view of the assembly seen in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial vew in front elevation of a typical twocluster column and connector assembly, showing the manner ofinterjoining adjacent and superposed column sections;

, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along vantage line 9-9 of FIG.8;

FIG. 10 is a view in front elevation of novel alignment means, showingthe same assembled in guide means according to this invention;

FIG. 11 is atop plan view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a view in front elevation of one plate member used in thealignment means of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a view in front elevation of a second plate member used inthe alignment means of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modified connector guide means usefulin interjoining two cluster colum sections in paired tandem;

FIG. is a perspective view of another form of connector guide means usedfor the same purpose as the guide means shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is another perspective showing, similar to FIGS. 14 and 15,illustrating an eight section column connector guide means; and

FIG. 17 is still another perspective view similar to FIG. 16, showing amodified version of the eight section column guide means shown in FIG.16.

Turning now to the illustrative embodiment of the invention set forth inthe accompanying drawings which demonstrates the best mode presentlycontemplated for enabling those familiar with this art to practice andunderstand this invention, reference is first made to FIG. 1. As thereshown, a typical modular unit fora motel building is designatedgenerally at 20. Unit 20 is formulated with a metal, preferably standardrolled steel, fabricated framework comprising essentially threeparallelopiped portions of dissimilar size utilizing a plurality ofvertically upright, parallel spaced, column sections 2l30 which areinterjoined at their upper reaches by rigid ceiling frame members 31-39and at their lower reaches by corresponding floor frame members 41-49.

The several column sections 21-30 are of tubular construction, generallysquare or quadrangular in cross-section and preferably standard rolledsteel members having a longitudinally extending, welded seam.

The several ceiling and floor frame members are made i of standard angleiron of conventional L-shape crosssection as best shown in FIG. 7, forexample.

Composite ceiling ties 50 and 51 parallel the end ceiling frame members31 and 35, 36, each comprising a pair of back-to-back related ceilingframe angle iron members 50a, 50b and 51a, 51b which are welded togetherat spaced intervals and extend between the upper ends of opposite columnsections 22-29; 22a-29a and 23-28; 23a 27, respectively. In a similarfashion, composite floor ties 52 and 53, also comprising back-to-backinterwelded angle iron frame members 52a, 52b and 53a, 53b extendbetween the lower ends of such column sections directly beneath theceiling ties 50 and 51.

The floor frame members 41-49 as well as tie members 52a, 52b; 53a, 53bconstitute angle irons of L- shaped cross section having an uprightflange preferably-'of-somewhat greater vertical dimension than thehorizontal flange thereof whereas the ceiling frame members 31-39, 50a,50b; 51a, 511) preferably are symmetrical and have vertical andhorizontal flange portions of generally equal dimensions.

It is important to note that in this described framework of unit 20,three parallelopiped sub-frameworks are interjoined, two of identicalsize and shape and the third one smaller. The first parallelopiped framehas corners defined by vertical column sections 21, 22, 29 and thesecond by corner column sections 22a, 23, 28 and 29a; and the third bycorner column sections 23a, 24, 26 and 27. It will be noted that thelatter framework is shorter in dimension, particularly lengthwise, thanthe other two parallelopipeds which are identical. In the manufacturingprogram the two identical parallelopiped sub-frameworks are rigidlyinterjoined, back-to-back, by welding column sections 22, 22a and 29,29a together as well as their opposing floor and ceiling frame membersto formulate the composite floor and ceiling ties 52 and 50,respectively. In similar fashion the smaller parallelopiped framework isjoined to the intermediate sub-framework having corner column sections22a, 23, 28 and 29a. That is to say, column section 23a is welded tocolumn section 23, while the ceiling and floor frame members 51a, 51band 53a and 53b are rigidly welded together to form the composite ties51 and 53. It is to be noted that the one corner column section 27 ofthe smaller framework is welded to the outside faces of the verticalflange portions of the ceiling and floor frame members 51a and 53a,intermediate the column sections 23 and 28.

As a consequence, one comer of the module unit 20 is inset from theother comers thereof as shown best in FIG. 1. Thus, the column sections26 and 27 lie in a plane which is parallel to, but set inwardly of theplane passing through the corner column sections 28 and 30 in thecompleted modular unit framework. The significance of this offsetconstruction will appear presently, particularly in association with astudy of FIG. 2.

Of additional importance in the structural framework for unit 20 is theprovision of one or more trussbracings between selected adjacent columnsections. For example, truss frame members 55 and 56 are tied diagonallyacross the generally rectangular space defined by theframe members 30,39, 29 and 49. Similar truss bracing is provided by members 57, 58between the frame members 25, 36, 26 and 46 while correspondingtruss-bracing members (only member 59 being shown in FIG. 1) areprovided diagonally across the frame portion defined by the members 21,32, 22 and 42. Such truss-bracing serves to not only rigidify andwind-brace the framework for the unit 20, but more importantly comprisesectional portions of vertical and lateral truss supports which presentthemselves in the overall framework of the assembled building as theseveral units thereof are integrated and interlocked. This provides aunique lateral and vertical truss support system in the completedbuilding according to this invention. Amplification of this feature willappear hereinafter.

As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, it will be recognizedthat the opposing peripheral floor frame members of the unit 20 providesa horizontal support for a poured or prestressed concrete flooringassembly 60 utilizing metal pan underflooring tack-welded to the floorframe members.

In a similar fashion, the several peripheral ceiling frame members 31-39and ties 50, 51 provide horizontal flange supports for the periphery ofoverlying ceiling panels 61, preferably constructed of layers ofplasterboard, and acoustic backing fastened to metal pans (see FIG. 1).The several inside walls of the unit are conventionally covered withlayers or panels of plasterboard 63 mounted over vertically extendingmetal channel stud members 64, mounted upright between the ceiling framemembers, such as 36, and the floor (see FIG. 1) and backed up by battinsulation or the like. Preferably the studs 64 are not rigidly tied toany of the load carrying tubular column sections, thereby permittingrelative movement between the latter and the interior walls, especiallywhen handling a modular unit.

With special reference to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it will be understoodthat when fully constructed, the unit 20 typically is'enclosed by thefloor and ceiling, an opaque side wall 66 reaching along one side, adoor opening wall 67 along one end, containing a mounted extendinginwardly of side wall 66, parallel an opposing portion of end wall 67 toprovide a closet spacing therebetween.

Within the confines of the bathroom space are located a conventional tuband shower unit 80; a sanitary facility 81 and a washstand 82. Theseveral units 80, 81 and 82 are completely hooked up with conventionalplumbing fittings and piping for hot and cold water supply and sanitarydrain; all such plumbing fittings tenninating at the outside face of theutility wall 69 whereat the same are adapted for quick couplingconnection with a unitary utility supply system which will now bedescribed briefly.

As best seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, when two module units and 20aare mounted in side-by-side adjacency, the'offset corner thereofpreviously alluded to and specifically defined by opposing utility walls69 and 69a, enclose therebetween a utility space or closet 85 having anaccess door 86 which usually opens onto a public hall or passageway (notshown) in the completed building. It will be noted that at the inner endof the utility closet 85 is a vertically extending utility stack unit,indicated generally by numeral 88, which will not be described in detailherein, but briefly comprises a prefabricated modular unit containingall the necessary conduits and carriers for hot and cold water, sanitarydrains and vents, air conditioning and heating, telephone, radio and T-Vantennae and any other supply systems ancillary to the successfuloperation of modular room unit 20. As will be surmised, the utilitystack 88 extends vertically through the several superposed spacedprovided between opposing utility walls 69-69a of the verticallysuperposed units 20 in a completed building. At each level unit 88carries appropriate outlets which are suitably coupled with connectionsproject ing into the utility room 85 through the adjacent utility walls69 and 69a of opposing units. Each of the several closets 85 is suitablyfloored to enable a person to walk upright into the closest forinspection, installation, upkeep and repair. As a result of thisarrangement, each modular room unit at final assembly in the building,is simply plugged into all supplies and utilities needed for its fulloperation, including heat, light, air, phone, etc.

Inasmuch as it is fully contemplated that each modular unit 20 to beassembled in the final building will be a discrete and complete entityunto itself, including all internal furnishings, decorations, utilityoutlets and the like as well as any exterior facia materials, windowwalls, doors and other hardware, it will be readily understood that theassembly of a multiplicity of such units effectively presents asubstantially completed building except for utility hook-ups, stairwellsand common public spaces. These, while not comprising a part of thepresent invention, are likewise provided through modular hall units,stairwell units, elevator units and the like..Thus as soon as theseveral modular units, as herein described, are in place andinterconnected to provide the rigidified building framework and theutility stacks 88 are suitably coupled to the supply system carried tothe building by conventional means, for all intents and purposes thebuilding will be ready for occupancy.

, While not specifically illustrated herein, the uppermost units of thecompleted structure carry in addition to normal ceiling panels, asuitable overroofing structure to provide a sectional roofingconstruction which may be readily sealed to present a weatherproof roof.

Turning now to the schematic showing of an assembled building, set outin FIG. 3 of the drawings, it will be understood that the partialstructure therein illustrated shows an end elevation of a partiallycompleted two-story structure, such as a motel, in-which modular units90, 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95 are interlocked in their assembledinterpositioning; the same being supported on footing walls 96 whichoccur at the vertical upright side walls of the units as underpinningsand supports for the column support structure of the building. Anunderground tunnel unit 97 also is shown in FIG. 3, provided to carryall utility supply systems to the building for lateral distribution tovarious mechanical, electrical stacks 88 located in the vertical uprightcloset spacings 85 extending from the ground floor to the roof level ofthe building. It is particularly noteworthy that in the illustratedstructure of FIG. 3, the two end units 92 and.

93 are shown with the truss segment construction. It will be understoodthat with the interlocking of the units 92 and 93 the several crossframe members 100-103 cooperate with the vertical column section members104-107 and horizontal frame members 108-110 to present a rigid trussframework vertically oriented to provide increased vertical load bearingcapacities as well as lateral support particularly under wind loads asindicated schematically by the arrow W in FIGS. 3 and 4.

With special reference to FIG. 4, the various forces transmittedthroughout the truss: members are indicated under wind load W, toillustrate the tension and compression loading of the various joints andmembers of the truss framework provided by interlocking adjacent trusssections associated with individual units. The absolute values of thevarious loads applied at the truss frame are of no particular moment tothecurrent description other than to show the general distribution andtransmission of force factors therein according to this invention.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a typical two cluster column support systemaccording to this invention is illustrated in exploded perspective; thesame being formed by twin superposed tubular column sections. Forpurposes of this description, it may be assumed! that the column systemillustrated in FIG. 5 occurs at the juncture of single tube columnsections of laterally adjacent modular units (such as occurs at outsidecomer column sections 21 and 30 of adjacent units 20) or at theinterconnection of tandem related double column section clusters, (suchas occur at the back-to-back column sections 22, 22a in modular unit 20of FIG. 1 on the outside walls of a building, for instance). Theprinciples involved, however, apply to all column supports of a buildingconstructed according to this invention, the only major differencesappearing in the number of tubular sections involved at any junction andthe configuration of the connector means, principally in the number ofguide elements.

In brief, each column structure rests on a foundation pier or wall 96which extends into the ground a suitable depth and is of a size andstrength sufficient to support the vertical loads designed to be carriedby the overdisposed column. Each pier is formed with a planar upper end120 having the threaded shank ends of two or more laterally spacedholddown bolts 121, 121 projecting upwardly therefrom for anchoring aconnector means 124 to the pier 96. As shown best in FIGS. 5, 6

and 7, the particular foundation connector means 124 accommodates twocolumn sections and has a planar base plate 125 on top of which aremounted a pair of laterally spaced guide elements 126, 126. Each guideelement, in the illustrated case of FIG. 5, is formed as a short lengthof square cross-sectioned tubing capable of insertion into the open endof a single tubular column section, and is welded to plate 125 coaxiallyabout an enlarged opening 127 receptive of the projecting end of one ofthe hold-down bolts 121. Washer and nut assemblies 128 are mounted onthe bolts 121 within the guide means to tie the base plate 125 of theconnector means firmly to the upper end of the pier 96 (see FIG. 6).

Mounted laterally outwardly of each guide element 124 and aligned on acommon center line therewith (see FIG. 7) is an internally threaded studconnector means 129 welded at its lower end to the upper face of baseplate 125.

It will be understood that when four section clusters are used to makeup a column, then there will of course be four guide elements 126 on thebase plate of the connector means 124, each received in the open end ofa single tubular column section.

As shown best in FIG. 5, each of the guide elements 126 is formed withfour intersecting planar side walls as presented by a short length ofrigid square or quadrangle tubing conforming to, but slightly smallerthan, the hollow interior configuration of a column tube 133 or 134 tobe fitted thereover. In this respect, sufficient clearance is providedto assure relatively loose fitting reception thereof within the openlower ends of the superposed column sections. This provides necessaryclearance for easy internesting of the tubular column sections and guideelements when lowering a modular unit into place over the connectormeans from an overhead crane or the like.

As the column sections 133 and 134 are placed over their respectivelyassociated underlying guide elements of a connector means, each of thestud connectors 129 loosely passes into the lower interior of acylindrical spacer tube member 135 disposed coaxially over an opening136 formed in the lower horizontal flange portion 137 of a relatedattached floor frame member 138 (corresponding to floor framemembers41-49 shown in FIG. 1').

Stud bolts and washer assemblies 139 are inserted into each tube member135, to engage the upper end thereof and the stud connector 129; thebolts being drawn down into the threaded interior of the latter topositively lock the tubular column sections abuttingly against plate 125of the associated connecter means. In dealing with adjacent modularunits, the column sections 133 and 134 will occur in separate modularunits and, therefore, be lowered onto the associated guide elements ofthe connector means 126 individually.

However, when dealing with intermediate double cluster tube columnsections, such as occurs at 22, 22a in the side wall of a module unit20, for example (see FIG. 1), the twin tube sections are loweredsimultaneously over the guide means. In either event, the lower ends ofthe tubular column sections are ultimately anchored firmly to theunderlying connector means 124 to transmit both vertical tension,compression and bending loads.

The upper end of each of the tubular column sections 133 and 134 (seeFIG. 5) is fabricated with associated laterally extending ceiling framemembers or angle irons 140 which correspond to the previously describedceiling frame members 31-39 illustrated in FIG. 1. The horizontal flangeportions 141 of such ceiling frame members are fitted with upwardlyprojecting, internally threaded stud connector sockets 142 (similar toconnectors 129) located immediately adjacent a related column section(see FIGS. 5, 8 and 9). The lower ends of the stud sockets preferablyare welded to the upper face of such horizontal flange portions 141according to known practice for installing any of several commerciallyavailable stud weld connector systems.

Once two adjacent column sections, such as 133, 134 are mounted on baseconnector means 124, as previously described, the upper ends thereofwill lie in near contacting adjacency presenting open upper ends (seeFIG. 5) receptive of intermediate column connector means 144. As bestshown in FIG. 5, connector means 144 comprises a double connector havinga pair of square tubular guide elements 145, 145 depending from thelower face of a planar base plate 146 and a pair of like guide elements147, 147 projecting from the upper face thereof. It will be recognizedthat the guide element pairs or projections 145 and 147 are identical tothe elements 126, 126 of the base column connector means 124, previouslydescribed. The lower guide elements or projections 145, 145 fit looselyinto the open upper socket ends of the column sections 133 and 134 inassembly. In similar fashion, the upwardly extending guide elements 147,147 fit into the lower open socket ends of the next succeeding pair ofsuperposed column sections 151 and 152.

I With specific reference to column sections 151 and 152, it will beappreciated that each is welded to a horizontally extending floor framemember 155 (corresponding to the floor frame members 4149 of the modularframe shown in FIG. 1). Spacer tube members 156 are welded to thehorizontal flange portion 157 of the floor frame members over suitableopenings (not shown) adjacent the column sections so as to register withthe upwardly projecting stud connectors 142 mounted on the underlyingceiling frame members 14%. Thus, in assembly the tube members 156 alignregisteringly over the stud connectors 142 so that hold-down bolts 158may be inserted downwardly through the tubes 156 and threaded into thestud connectors 142. This positively interlocks the lower end of each ofthe column sections 151 and 152 rigidly with the upper ends of theunder-disposed column sections 133 and 134; such being separated only bythe intervening connector plate means 144.

Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a detailed showing of the assembledrelationship between column sections 133, 134, 151 and 152 isillustrated. As shown, the lower tubular ends of the two-cluster columnsections 151 and 152 align registeringly over the upper ends of thebelow disposed column sections 133, 134, respec tively, in assembly. Itshould be noted that once assembled the guide element pairs 145 and 147are relatively passive or inactive insofar as a connective function isconcerned since they normally loosely contact the inside walls of thetubular column sections. One exception to this occurs under heavylateral loading of the column, in which event the guide elements serveto limit any lateral sliding movement of the related column sections.

In the normal loaded condition of the column, compressive loads aretransmitted directly betwen superposed column sections via theintervening base plate 146 of the connector means. Tension loads aretransmitted via the stud connector systems.

All bending and lateral loading of the column is basically resisted bythe bolts 158 and the stud connectors cations laterally outwardly of thetubular column sections.

It is also to be noted that the lateral spacing between adjacent guideelements 147, 147, for example, is such as to place opposing walls 159and 160 of adjacent column sections in face-to-face frictional contactor adjacency which feature assists column strength and rigidity,particularly under lateral or bending loads.

Uniform compressive connection of column sections with the interveningconnector base plate 146 is established' conveniently by uniform torqueloading of bolts 158 in assembly. This assists likewise in the assembledintegrity and strength of a column structure using the tube clustercolumn teachings of this invention as hereinabove set forth.

In order to finish a column structure as set out in FIG. 5, it will berecognized that the upper or top ends of the column sections 151 and 152are interjoined with a single cap connector means 160, havingquadrangular guide elements 161, 161 depending from a base plate 162. Itwill be recognized that the cap connector means 160 is structurallysimilar to the base connector means 124 previously described andessentially serves to intertie the upper ends of the tube sections 151and 152.

To provide convenient means for lifting each modular unit, as by cranemeans, lifting pads 165 are connected over the upper ends of selectedcolumn clusters.

Essentially, tie-down bolts 163 pass through openings 164 in an angleiron lifting pad 165 for threaded engagement with stud connector sockets166 welded to the horizontal flange portions 167 of ceiling framemembers 168 associated with the column sections in question. Each pad165 has a pad eye web wall 170, formed with a hook receiving opening oreye 171 whereby cables, chains or slingsmay be joined to a liftingcrane. The lift pads 165 are removed after lifting a unit into assemblyposition.

Throughout the above description of the column structure according tothis invention, no mention has been made of the practical problem ofaligning a column tube end substantially coaxially over a guide elementof the connector means so as to interfit the same when lowering amodular unit into assembled position. In attempting such alignment,particularly with larger sizedunits of several tons in weight, thealignment problem can become extreme. To this end, auxiliary alignmentmeans are contemplated, one of the more t outer periphery of the guideelement.

10 successful being in accordance with the embodiment set out in FIGS.10-13.. i

As shown in front elevation in FIG. 10, alignment means 173 comprisestwo biaxially related metal plates 174 and 175, of substantiallyidentical profile including a rectangular base skirt portion andconvergingly tapered sides, somewhat in the shape of a Christmas tree.The two plates are individually shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Whenassembled, they are interfitted to form a symmetrical cross in planconfiguration (see FIG. 11) in which they are interfitted at rightangles to one another.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, it will be noted that both plates areformed symmetrical about a vertical central axis, and that plate 174 hasa slotted opening 176 extending about half way of its length from theupper peak end thereof. Plate 175, conversely has a similar slottedopening 176a extending upwardly from its lower end. In assembly, thelower slotted opening 176a of plate 175 receives or is filled by theportion of plate 174 immediately below the slotted opening 176 thereof.Conversely, the unslotted portion of plate 175, above its slottedopening 176a resides within the slotted opening 176 of plate 174 inassembly. This interfitting relation produces the right angular biaxialcross configuration for alignment means 173 as best illusportion 179 and179a thereof abut the upper edges of the side walls'of such elements,with the base or skirt portions of plates 174 and 175 extending into theinterior of the hollow guide elements (see FIG. 10). Now as a tubularcolumn section is lowered over the peak or pointed upper end of thealignment means, the cam edges 177, 178 and 177a, 178a thereof cooperateto center the axis of the tube with the axis of the underlying guidemeans in response to lowering movement of the related modular unit. Inthis fashion, the tubular column sections are quite easily loweredcoaxially onto the guide elements of a connector means; the several camedges of the alignment means operating biaxially against the inside endedges of the column section tubing to effect the desired centeringoperation.

Once assembled with a connector means, the alignment means are left inplace after assembly inside the column sections. For convenience ofhandling, the individual plates 174 and 175 thereof may be weldedtogether if so desired prior to insertion into a guide element. It is tobe noted that desirably the shouldered inset on each lateral edge of theplates 174 and 175 is substantially equal to the wall thickness of theguide elements so that the same interfit snugly in assembly and avoidany projection of the alignment means past the While the foregoingdescription sets forth the features of a preferred and workableembodiment of this invention, it is fully contemplated'that obviousvariations particularly of the described connector means,

may be necessary to meet various building design conditions. To thatend, reference is now made to FIGS. 14-17 of the drawings.

It will be recalled for example that the several described connectormeans 124, 144 and 1611 each utilize quadrangular, relatively short,tubular, closed wall guide elements, having four planar wall portionseach of which adjacently opposes an interior wall portion of a columnsection tube in final assembly. While such connector means are workablysatisfactory if manufacturing tolerances of the tubular column sectionscan be maintained, experience shows that one cannot always depend onuniformity of rolled tubular steel, particularly in larger dimensionsand wall thicknesses even though so-called standard tube products arespecified. In order to meet a relatively wide range of tolerances,modified connector means in accordance with FIGS. 14-17 may be resortedto.

As shown in FIG. 14 for instance, modified guide elements 180, having aU-shaped cross section or plan configuration, are welded to the upperand lower faces of a planar base plate 181 to provide a double connectormeans 182 capable of a relatively wide variation in interior dimensionsfor the tubular column sections fitted thereon. More specifically,connector means 182 is designed as an intermediate column connector forinterjoiningtandem related two section column clusters, similar to thedescribed connector means 144 of FIGS. 8 and 9. It will be noted thatthe U-shaped guide elements 180 are symmetrically oriented on plate 181,with the base walls 183 thereof central of plate 181 and in parallelspaced opposition; the spacing therebetween tolerating at least two wallthicknesses of standard tubular column sections to be mounted thereover.This arrangement is carried out on both faces of plate 181. The side orarm walls 184 of each guide element 180 are likewise purposely shorterthan the base wall 183 so that they will enter the tubular interior of acolumn section with relatively wide clearance.

' In FIG. 15, a variation of connector means 182 (shown in FIG. 14) anddesignated 182a, is set forth. As shown, in this instance the U-shapedguide elements 180 fixed to plate 181 are rearranged and reversed inposition from that shown in FIG. 14 so that the open sides thereof areopposing or facing each other. When using'this arrangement, the spacingbetween elements 181 is purposely such as to permit relatively widevariations in wall thickness of the tubular column sections fittedthereon; a factor which is more critical in the connector means 182 dueto the limited spacing between base walls 183, 183 of the adjacent guideele ments 180. In both connector means 182 and 182a, only three interiorwalls of a column tube are normally contacted by or in near adjacency toeach guide element in assembly. It further is to be noted that the platemembers 181 thereof are dimensioned so as to be flush with or projectonly slightly past the outside walls of the tube sections mountedthereon.

Turning now to the connector means 190 of FIG. 16,

the same is for use in interjoining eight column sections to provide acolumn made up of four clustered tubular sections as would occur at acomer junction of four modular units superposed by four additional suchunits, for instance.

In brief, connector means 190, as illustrated, comprises a planar baseplate 191 of substantially square plan profile. Mounted centrally on andfixed to opposite faces of plate 191, so as to project at right anglestherefrom, are four guide elements 192; each being a symmetrical angleiron member having like rectangularly related legs 193, 193. Such fourangle elements are disposed comer-to-comer in quadrants about a centralaxis lying normal to the plane of plate 191 with the spacing betweenopposing legs 193 of adjacent members being substantially twice thethickness of the tube walls which mak up the column sections plusnecessary design clearance. This permits easy insertion of tube wallstherebetween. It will be understood that the members 192 each engage theinside walls of opposingly adjacent comers of four clustered columntubes in making up the column. Such relation obtains both above andbeneath the base plate 191 of the connector means 190.

The connector means 200, shown in FIG. 17, like connector means 190, isused for joining eight tubular column sections in constructing a fourtube cluster column. Essentially connector means 200 is made up of theidentical elements 191 and 192 employed in connector means 190. However,instead of the guide elements being arranged comer-to-corner in eachquadrant about the central vertical axis normal to base plate 191, aspreviously described, the same are located at each of the four comers ofthe four column tube cluster to be mounted thereon. That is to say, suchguide elements are each located at the comer of a quadrangle (square inthis instance) so as to engage or oppose only two inside walls of aquadrangular tube section fitted thereover. When four such tube sectionsare mounted on the top face of base plate 191, for instance, the samenest or cluster together in near contacting adjacency, each occupyingsubstantially a quadrant of a quadrangle. Importantly, the lengthwisedimension of each leg 193 of the guide elements 192 is less than theinside side wall dimension of the tubular column section fittedthereover. It will thus be recognized that the tolerance limits whenmounting the tubular column sections on connector means 200 is not assevere as encountered when using the connector means of FIG. 16,particularly as to variations in wall thickness of the column tubes.

From the foregoing description, those of skill in this art will readilyrecognize the novel aspects and unique features of the hereinabovedescribed invention which mark the same as a material advancement overthe prior art. It is to be understood that while the specifics of oneembodiment with variations have been set forth, obvious changes andmodifications may be made within the scope and teachings of thisinvention. Among other things, for example, it has been found inpractice that it is not essential for workable structuring of a columnsupport according to this invention that the tube lengths be uniformlyequal, even in a clustered situation, or that is, in column structuresembodying two or more tubular sections clustered in adjacency. Ifperchance one or more tubular members of a clustered column section areslightly longer than the remainder, the final assembly and loading ofthe column is not materially affected thereby due in part to thefloating arrangement of the connector means between adjacent tube endswhich serves to transmit forces to all column sections of a particularcluster. Added strength to the illustrated columns is also optionallyavailable by filling the cores thereof with concrete, although it ispreferred that the simple tubular structure and network described beutilized in most instances. Obviously, various cross sectional orpolygonal configurations for the column sections may be resorted toother than the square illustrated but, again, the square or rectangleseems to be the most practical geometric shape in practice. Also,variations in strength are readily available in accordance with theselected tube wall thickness and material selected for the columnsections.

Of furtherximportance to the practicality of the described constructionis the configuration of the connec-' tor means whereby the base platethereof terminates substantially at the external periphery of superposedcolumn sections or clusters thereof so as to avoid external projectionsmuch beyond the dimensions of columns formulated therefrom.Consequently, modular units according to the hereinabove describedsystem may be placed in near abutting adjacency throughout the building,permitting ready transmittal of lateral loads which is especiallyenhanced by the presence of the truss networks described. The lack ofprotrusion of the connector means beyond the column faces alsomaterially assists in fastening facia materials to the exterior units,either at construction of the modular units in the factory, or on thejob, if desired, as by conventional brick and stone masonry techniquesper the dictates of an architect, much as in conventional practice.

Of no slight importance is the unique abilityof the connector system andcolumn formation according to this invention to produce a generallyrigid selfsupporting structural framework throughout the erection stagesof a building whereby modular units may be erected both in superposedand adjacent fashion without fear of collapse. Due to the requirement ofthe connector means to intertie adjacent units as well as alignsuperposed units, it is necessary to assemble at least two rows of unitsfor any one floor level of the building before superposing units of thenext higher level thereon. In essence, erection proceeds in a stair-stepfashion from one end of the building toward the other, although erectionhorizontally floor-by-floor and endto end of the building may also beresorted to.

Having thus described this invention and the features of a workableembodiment thereof so as to enable those familiar with this art tounderstand and practice the same,

I claim:

1. A column support structure comprising a plurality of like elongatedtubular column sections configured with regular polygonal cross sectionsand constituting vertical frame elements of prefabricated room unitsadapted to be integrated vertically and horizontally to form a building,said column sections being aligned operably upright in coaxialend-to-end relation; at least two rigid structural frame members affixedto and extending laterally outwardly of each end of each column sectionwhereby such members associated with adjacent ends of opposing columnsections lie in spaced parallel registration one above the other; andconnector means at said adjacent ends comprisin g a single planar platemeans lying transversely therebetween and abuttingly engaged thereby,guide means fixed to said plate means for loose fitting insertion intothe open ends of adjacently opposed column sections and operative toalign the same in substantially coaxial relation, and plural tensioningmeans extending between and operative to positively interconnect saidregisteringly aligned frame members, at at least two locations spacedsubstantially equidistance outwardly of associated opposed columnsections and plate means thereby to rigidly intertie said frame membersand sections and frictionally engage said adjacent ends of said sectionsand said plate means with predetermined regulated force sufficient toprevent relative movement between said sections and said plate meansunder lateral design loads for the building.

' 2. The invention of claim ll wherein said means extending between saidframe members comprises stud bolt connector means having interlockingparts, one connectively related with each frame member associated withopposing column sections and operable to produce predeterminedfrictional engagement between said adjacent ends and plate means.

3. The combination of claim 1, and alignment means removably insertableinto selected said guide means so asto' project coaxially outwardlytherefrom; said alignment means presenting plural biaxially related camsurfaces diverging from a pointed outer end thereof toward the peripheryof said guide means and engage- I able with opposing interior walls ofthe said tubular column sections so as to automatically cam the lattercoaxially over said guide means in response to lowering one room unitonto another.

4. In a building constructed of a plurality of discrete modular unitsadapted to be interlocked into an integral whole, a combined verticalcolumn and truss support framework capable of withstanding tension,compression and bending loads comprising, a plurality of tubular columnsections spaced in. vertical upright relation about the periphery ofeach modular unit, a plurality of horizontal ceiling frame membersaffixed to and extending between the upper ends of said sections, acorresponding pluralityv of floor frame members affixed to andinterconnecting the lower ends of said sections, said ceiling and floorframe members lying wholly be tween parallel planes containing theexterior surfaces of said column sections of an associated modular unit;truss frame members extending diagonally between the upper and lowerends of corresponding selected pairs of column sections in each modularunit; and connector means joining opposing ends of superposed tubularsections in the building comprising planar plate means lying between andabuttingly engaging each pair of said opposing ends, guide means affixedto said plate means and projecting outwardly therefrom for loose fittinginsertion into the open interior of each said tubular section abuttinglyassociated therewith and operable to align superposed sectionssubstantially coaxially, and at least two tensioning meansinterconnecting adjacent superposed ceiling and floor frame members ofsuperposed modular units, at locations spaced substantially equidistantlaterally outwardly of each pair of superposed column sections thereof,said tensioning means being operable to rigidly interlock said sectionsand plate means with predetermined frictional resistance to lateralloads thereby to form upright tension, compression and bending resistantcolumns of interconnected column sections; the interconnection of columnsections comprising said selected pairs formulating vertically extendingtruss framing in the building which functionally transmits lateral loadsto and between adjacent columns comprising said selected columnsections.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein certain of said column sections ineach modular unit comprise a cluster of at least two column sectionsjoined in side-byside contacting adjacency, and said connector meansjoining the ends thereof with the ends of corresponding clusteredsections of superposed and adjacent units have plural guide meansprojecting from opposite faces of said plate means thereof, one guidemeans being re ceived in the interior of each column section of eachcluster whereby to align the superposed clustered sections in coaxialcolumn relationship and laterally intertie horizontally adjacentclustered sections.

6. In a building, a plurality of modular units adapted to be mountedside by side and in superposed registration, each unit having agenerally parallelopiped framework comprising a plurality of vertical,parallel, tubular column sections at spaced locations about itsperiphery, a plurality of ceiling frame members affixed to andinterjoining the upper ends of said column sections for each unit, and acorresponding plurality of floor frame members affixed to andinterconnecting the lower ends thereof; and connector means forinterlocking opposing and laterally adjacent ends of column sectionsassociated with both superposed and laterally adjacent units,comprising: planar plate means interposed and extending between theadjacent ends of superposed and laterally adjacent column sections,guide means affixed to and projecting from said plate means for loosefitting insertion into the hollow interior of each said sectionconfronting said plate means, and at least two threaded fastener meansextending between registeringly superposed floor and ceiling framemembers of tion, each unit having a generally parallelopiped frameworkcomprising a plurality of vertical, parallel, tubular column sections atspaced locations about its periphery, a plurality of ceiling framemembers affixed to and interjoining the upper ends of said columnsections for each unit, a corresponding plurality of floor frame membersaffixed to and interconnecting the lower ends thereof, and connectormeans interlocking opposing and laterally adjacent ends of columnsections associated with both superposed and laterally adjacent units,comprising planar plate means interposed between the ends of superposedand laterally adjacent column sections, guide means affixed to andprojecting from said plate means for inserted reception into the hollowinterior of each said section confronting said plate means, and fastenermeans extending between superposed floor and ceiling frame members ofadjacent units at locations laterally outwardly of related columnsections and operable to positively interlock the latter with regulatedforce abuttingly against said plate means whereby to effect tensioncompression columns from said sections; each said modular unit beingformed with a foreshortened parallelopiped framework at one end thereofto provide one comer portion of the unit which is offset from one sidewall thereof, said units being arranged in the building with offsetcorners of adjacent units adjacently opposite and registeringly over oneanother whereby to provide vertical shaftways at spaced locationsthroughout the building, the opposing offset comer portions betweenadjacent side by side mounted units defining a utility closet, andutility walls enclosing two opposing sides of each said closet and eachcomprising one wall attached to a said foreshortened parallelopipedframework; each said utility wall presenting connections in said closetwhich communicate with all ancillary utility support systems within arelated modular unit whereby the utilities of all units associated witheach vertical shaftway are commonly interjoined.

1. A column support structure comprising a plurality of like elongatedtubular column sections configured with regular polygonal cross sectionsand constituting vertical frame elements of prefabricated room unitsadapted to be integrated vertically and horizontally to form a building,said column sections being aligned operably upright in coaxialend-to-end relation; at least two rigid structural frame members affixedto and extending laterally outwardly of each end of each column sectionwhereby such members associated with adjacent ends of opposing columnsections lie in spaced parallel registration one above the other; andconnector means at said adjacent ends comprising a single planar platemeans lying transversely therebetween and abuttingly engaged thereby,guide means fixed to said plate means for loose fitting insertion intothe open ends of adjacently opposed column sections and operative toalign the same in substantially coaxial relation, and plural tensioningmeans extending between and operative to positively interconnect saidregisteringly aligned frame members, at at least two locations spacedsubstantially equidistance outwardly of associated opposed columnsections and plate means thereby to rigidly intertie said frame membersand sections and frictionally engage said adjacent ends of said sectionsand said plate means with predetermined regulated force sufficient toprevent relative movement between said sections and said plate meansunder lateral design loads for the building.
 2. The invention of claim 1wherein said means extending between said frame members comprises studbolt connector means having interlocking parts, one connectively relatedwith each frame member associated with opposing column sections andoperable to produce predetermined frictional engagement between saidadjacent ends and plate means.
 3. The combination of claim 1, andalignment means removably insertable into selected said guide means soas to project coaxially outwardly therefrom; said alignment meanspresenting plural biaxially related cam surfaces diverging from apointed outer end thereof toward the periphery of said guide means andengageable with opposing interior walls of the said tubular columnsections so as to automatically cam the latter coaxially over said guidemeans in response to lowering one room unit onto another.
 4. In abuilding constructed of a plurality of discrete modular units adapted tobe interlocked into an integral whole, a combined vertical column andtruss support framework capable of withstanding tension, compression andbending loads comprising, a plurality of tubular column sections spacedin vertical upright relation about the periphery of each modular unit, aplurality of horizontal ceiling frame members affixed to and extendingbetween the upper ends of said sections, a corresponding plurality offloor frame members affixed to and interconnecting the lower ends ofsaid sections, said ceiling and floor frame members lying wholly betweenparallel planes containing the exterior surfaces of said column sectionsof an Associated modular unit; truss frame members extending diagonallybetween the upper and lower ends of corresponding selected pairs ofcolumn sections in each modular unit; and connector means joiningopposing ends of superposed tubular sections in the building comprisingplanar plate means lying between and abuttingly engaging each pair ofsaid opposing ends, guide means affixed to said plate means andprojecting outwardly therefrom for loose fitting insertion into the openinterior of each said tubular section abuttingly associated therewithand operable to align superposed sections substantially coaxially, andat least two tensioning means interconnecting adjacent superposedceiling and floor frame members of superposed modular units, atlocations spaced substantially equidistant laterally outwardly of eachpair of superposed column sections thereof, said tensioning means beingoperable to rigidly interlock said sections and plate means withpredetermined frictional resistance to lateral loads thereby to formupright tension, compression and bending resistant columns ofinterconnected column sections; the interconnection of column sectionscomprising said selected pairs formulating vertically extending trussframing in the building which functionally transmits lateral loads toand between adjacent columns comprising said selected column sections.5. The invention of claim 4 wherein certain of said column sections ineach modular unit comprise a cluster of at least two column sectionsjoined in side-by-side contacting adjacency, and said connector meansjoining the ends thereof with the ends of corresponding clusteredsections of superposed and adjacent units have plural guide meansprojecting from opposite faces of said plate means thereof, one guidemeans being received in the interior of each column section of eachcluster whereby to align the superposed clustered sections in coaxialcolumn relationship and laterally intertie horizontally adjacentclustered sections.
 6. In a building, a plurality of modular unitsadapted to be mounted side by side and in superposed registration, eachunit having a generally parallelopiped framework comprising a pluralityof vertical, parallel, tubular column sections at spaced locations aboutits periphery, a plurality of ceiling frame members affixed to andinterjoining the upper ends of said column sections for each unit, and acorresponding plurality of floor frame members affixed to andinterconnecting the lower ends thereof; and connector means forinterlocking opposing and laterally adjacent ends of column sectionsassociated with both superposed and laterally adjacent units,comprising: planar plate means interposed and extending between theadjacent ends of superposed and laterally adjacent column sections,guide means affixed to and projecting from said plate means for loosefitting insertion into the hollow interior of each said sectionconfronting said plate means, and at least two threaded fastener meansextending between registeringly superposed floor and ceiling framemembers of adjacent superposed units at locations spaced substantiallyequidistant laterally outwardly of related opposed column sections andoperable to positively interlock the latter vertically and withpredetermined regulated frictional engagement with said plate meanswhereby to effect stabilized tension, compression and lateralload-resistant columns from said sections as the building is erected. 7.In a building, a plurality of modular units adapted to be mounted sideby side and in superposed registration, each unit having a generallyparallelopiped framework comprising a plurality of vertical, parallel,tubular column sections at spaced locations about its periphery, aplurality of ceiling frame members affixed to and interjoining the upperends of said column sections for each unit, a corresponding plurality offloor frame members affixed to and interconnecting the lower endsthereof, and connector means interlocking opposing and laterallyadjacent ends of column sections associated with both superposed andlaterally adjacent units, comprising planar plate means interposedbetween the ends of superposed and laterally adjacent column sections,guide means affixed to and projecting from said plate means for insertedreception into the hollow interior of each said section confronting saidplate means, and fastener means extending between superposed floor andceiling frame members of adjacent units at locations laterally outwardlyof related column sections and operable to positively interlock thelatter with regulated force abuttingly against said plate means wherebyto effect tension compression columns from said sections; each saidmodular unit being formed with a foreshortened parallelopiped frameworkat one end thereof to provide one corner portion of the unit which isoffset from one side wall thereof, said units being arranged in thebuilding with offset corners of adjacent units adjacently opposite andregisteringly over one another whereby to provide vertical shaftways atspaced locations throughout the building, the opposing offset cornerportions between adjacent side by side mounted units defining a utilitycloset, and utility walls enclosing two opposing sides of each saidcloset and each comprising one wall attached to a said foreshortenedparallelopiped framework; each said utility wall presenting connectionsin said closet which communicate with all ancillary utility supportsystems within a related modular unit whereby the utilities of all unitsassociated with each vertical shaftway are commonly interjoined.